UK enforcement agencies struggle to close illicit high street traders

A new report from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) warns that enforcement agencies are struggling to combat illicit trade on British high streets, describing current closure powers as “toothless”. In 2025, over 4,000 shops were identified containing illicit tobacco, cigarettes, or vaping products, yet only 8% of these premises were subsequently closed. CSJ head Joshua Nicholson noted that the high evidential burden required for magistrates' courts prevents local authorities from effectively using closure orders, creating a lack of consequences for criminals.

The failure to curb rogue traders is reportedly undercutting legitimate retailers, who cannot compete with the extreme price differences of illegal goods. This issue also impacts the property market through the use of proceeds from illegal activities.

In a specific local development, a closure order was granted by Norwich Magistrates’ Court for the Euro Mini Market in Lowestoft following a multi-agency investigation. This action follows Operation Machinize, a National Crime Agency-coordinated crackdown targeting money laundering and the criminal use of cash-intensive high street businesses, which recently saw raids in Lowestoft and Beccles resulting in the seizure of illegal tobacco.